Compare Indonesia - Eastern Highlights: Sulawesi, the Moluccas & Papua II 2021 by Rockjumper Birding vs Indonesia in 13 days - Bali, Lombok & Gili Trawangan - LUXURY by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 17 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 7,645 | $ 2,799 |
| Price Per Day | $ 450 | $ 215 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 12 Breakfasts. |
| Description |
2021 Prices are an estimate, dates are not confirmed and may change. As a result of the remarkable biogeography of the region, our Highlights of the Eastern Indonesian archipelago provides very little overlap in bird species to our Highlights of Western Indonesia, with a phenomenal number of special and endemic birds. We begin by exploring the prime highland site of Lore Lindu National Park on the island of Sulawesi. Boasting over 70 endemic species, the exceptional range of highly desirable birds we will seek include the endemic Hylocitrea, now placed in its own monotypic family, the indescribable Purple-bearded Bee-eater, bizarre Geomalia, Fiery-browed Starling, Green-backed Kingfisher (one of many endemic kingfishers), Purple-winged Roller, Satanic Nightjar and the impressive Knobbed Hornbill. We then wing our way to the nearby island of Halmahera, where we visit a lekking site for the highly sought-after Standardwing, surely one of the most bizarre birds-of-paradise! Here we also seek a mindboggling number of Mollucan endemics including the spectacular Ivory-breasted Pitta and Moluccan Owlet-nightjar. Moving further eastwards we again enter a completely new biological zone as we arrive in Sorong, on the extreme western tip of New Guinea. Here we bird the famous Vogelkop, a veritable feast of incredible highlights may include up to seven birds-of-paradise including Magnificent, King, Lesser and Twelve-wired as well as numerous pigeons (Wompoo, Superb and Pink-spotted Fruit Doves to name a few), parrots (including the localized Black Lory) and kingfishers (Red-breasted Paradise being one of the prime targets.) We conclude our tour on the Raja Ampat Island of Waigeo, famed for the best snorkeling in the world! Here our targets in this tropical island paradise include Red Bird-of-paradise, the incredible Western Crowned Pigeon, Palm Cockatoo, Lowland Peltops and much besides. And as a way of celebrating the finale of this remarkable tour we will visit the display ground of quite possibly the most beautiful bird on Earth – Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise! |
Go island hopping to discover the fascinating cultural and natural heritage of this fascinating Indonesian archipelago. Fall in love with the serenity of Senggigi on the island of Lombok and tread the earthly paradise of the island of Gili Trawangan. Get immersed in the artistic atmosphere of Ubud and surrender to the absolute beauty of the eternal beaches of Benoa on the island of Bali. |
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Bali. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: In-flight
Continue your journey to Bali. Due to the time difference, you will lose a day on the outward journey, but you will gain it back on your return journey. You are not in-flight for two days.
Day 3: Denpasar - Ubud
Arrive at Denpasar International Airport, be met by your guide and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest after your travels and start discovering the vibrant capital of the so-called "Island of the Gods". Overnight stay in Ubud.
Day 4: Ubud
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a full-day tour around Ubud to discover the unique cultural heritage of Bali and the picturesque natural landscapes. Head to the town of Stone Carvers, Batu Bulan, where we witness the colorful and exciting dance of Barong & Kris, which tells the story about the eternal struggle between good and evil, an Indian epic and an integral part of Balinese mythology. Next, visit Mas, the village of woodcarvers, to see artisans working on their creative designs; true works of art. Head northeast across the coast, surrounded by imposing mountains, to visit the Elephant Cave or Goa Gajah, a complex built in the eleventh century with the detailed sculptures of mythological creatures excavated at the entrance, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The next stop is in Kintamani to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Batur, with its black lava that descends from the sacred crater to the valley where Lake Batur rests, lying serene and bright at the foot of the mountains. Finally, visit the town of Celuk, famous for its beautiful works of goldsmithing and handmade silverware. Return to Ubud and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ubud.
Day 5: Ubud
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, spend the day at your leisure. Why not explore the local markets or indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage. We recommend an optional river rafting excursion if you are feeling adventurous.* Overnight stay in Ubud. * Optional Ayung River Rafting Excursion: Take a rafting adventure on the Ayung River! An unforgettable journey through the tropical rainforest past beautiful waterfalls. Lunch included.
Day 6: Ubud
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the tranquil rainforests or visiting the local Hindu temples and shrines. Alternatively, we suggest taking an optional mountain biking excursion to enjoy the landscapes from a different perspective.* Overnight stay in Ubud. * Optional Mountain Biking Excursion: From the mountainside, ride along quiet roads past various villages. Enjoy an impression of traditional Balinese life and the beautiful nature.
Day 7: Ubud - Gili Trawangan
Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Padang Bai port to cross by speedboat to the island of Gili Trawangan, known for its vibrant beaches and magnificent coral reefs. Arrival in Gili, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day free to explore the wonderful surroundings. Overnight stay in Gili.
Day 8: Gili Trawangan
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to spend relaxing, either in the pool or on the paradisiacal beaches of the island. We recommend snorkelling for the best views of coral reefs and the diverse and colorful marine life that inhabits them. Overnight stay in Gili.
Day 9: Gili Trawangan - Senggigi
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, take a local boat to Senggigi, on the island of Lombok. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the tranquillity of this idyllic place where Indonesians keep their ancient customs alive. Senggigi is famous for its unforgettable sunsets and its endless beaches. Overnight stay in Senggigi.
Day 10: Senggigi
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a tour of the city of Mataram, the most important city on the island of Lombok, and visit the Mayura Water Palace, built in 1744 as part of the former Balinese empire. The town is the main commercial centre in Lombok and is the perfect place to observe the daily activity of the locals. The tour continues to Taman Narmada, home to natural springs, whose water is believed to give eternal youth. The garden was built in 1727 by the Balinese King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem. Finally, visit the Temple of Lingsar, a unique temple and a centre of harmony and unity for both Muslims and Hindus, as both are permitted to pray and worship there. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Senggigi.
Day 11: Senggigi - Benoa
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time take a speedboat back to the island of Bali, and on arrival transfer to your hotel in Benoa. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Benoa is located in the south, in a quiet coastal resort on the Nusa Dua peninsula, and is the perfect place to relax, with idyllic beaches and lush surroundings. Overnight stay in Benoa.
Day 12: Benoa
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, basking in the Balinese sunshine or exploring at your own pace. We recommend an optional city tour of Denpasar to discover the unique and diverse atmosphere of the city, which fuses traditional Balinese culture and modernity.* Overnight stay in Benoa. * Optional Denpasar City Tour: Explore Badung Traditional Market, for a taste of the local culture and delve into the spiritual side of the city at Jagatnatha Temple. Learn more about the island at the fascinating Bali Museum and admire the Bajra Shandi Monument, a monument dedicated to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history. (Min. 2 pax)
Day 13: Benoa
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day. We recommend visiting the Uluwatu Temple, one of the most emblematic monuments of Bali, located on top of a cliff surrounded by coastal forest. It is an unmissable experience to contemplate the beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean from this viewpoint. Consider enjoying one of our optional excursions.* Overnight stay in Benoa. * Optional Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling Excursion: Set off to Nusa Lembongan around 8:00 a.m. for an exciting day of snorkelling in the warm, abundant waters. Enjoy an included lunch on the boat and discover the rich marine life in the open waters. All snorkelling equipment is provided. (Min. 2 pax) * Optional Sunset Dinner Cruise: Spend a tropical evening onboard a boat whilst taking in the spectacular sunset and enjoying a refreshing cocktail and international buffet. A live cabaret show on board will keep you entertained as you cruise away the evening. (Min. 2 pax)
Day 14: Benoa
Breakfast at the hotel. A day at your leisure to continue enjoying the idyllic white-sand beaches of Benoa, perfect for a walk along its extensive shoreline and a swim in its crystal clear warm waters. We recommend an optional tour to Besakih and Penglipuran to discover more of the local area.* Overnight stay in Benoa. * Optional Besakih and Penglipuran Tour: On this day trip, discover the oldest temple in Bali, the Pura Besakih at the foot of Mount Agung. Along the way, visit Kertagosa in Klungkung, dating back to pre-colonial times and the village of Penglipuran, home to an indigenous community. Also, discover the sacred bats of Goa Lawah Cave and the black beaches of Kusamba for a fantastic overview of the must-see sights in the region. Lunch included. (Min. 2 pax)
Day 15: Benoa - Denpasar - US
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** If your return flight departs in the afternoon, it is possible that your arrival in the US will be the next day and the total duration of your trip will be 16 days.
